Dec 19, 2006, Manama: BAHRAIN-resident Rui Falcao has received an honorary Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in appreciation of his dedication, exemplary service and loyalty to the British Council.

The award was presented by HRH Princess Anne during her visit to Bahrain last month.

"I am delighted to be appointed as an Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire," said the 68-year-old Indian.

"This is a great honour for me and my family. It is also an honour for my colleagues and the British Council in Bahrain."

Mr Falcao has worked for the British Council in Bahrain since 1972 and prior to that he worked for the British Embassy.

The British Council office manager played a major role in helping the organisation continue operating throughout its closure during the conflicts in Kuwait and Iraq.

Mr Falcao said he found out in August that he would receive the MBE, but was totally surprised and honoured when it was presented by the Princess.

"I was doing my work as usual and I never thought I would be honoured in this way," Mr Falcao told the GDN.

"The British Council has appreciated all the work I have done.

"I'm the first local staff member in Bahrain to receive this honour. It's a great achievement.

"The British Council is a great organisation that trains its staff to meet challenges.

"I have been sent to New Delhi, Karachi, Egypt and UK for training and being able to do the job better gives me great satisfaction."

Rui played a major role in helping the British Council continue operating throughout its closure during the conflicts in Kuwait and Iraq During the conflicts in Kuwait in 1990 and Iraq in 2003, Mr Falcao assisted the British Council director in keeping the organisation operational.

He looked after security liaison with the British Embassy after the director was withdrawn and supported a group of six staff working without an office.

Mr Falcao's support services in administration, security arrangements and finance enabled over 300 exams to be conducted and over 1,000 enquiries to be handled during the period of temporary closure in March/April 2003.

Despite being offered, in line with British Council policy, a chance to return to India during the conflict, he showed absolute determination and concern for the organisation in such exceptional circumstances.

"Rui has been an outstanding example of reliability and hard work over three decades," said British Council director Sandra Hamrouni.

Rui provides a role model to other staff in terms of his knowledge accumulated by years of experience, in terms of his skills which he is always eager to upgrade, his attitude which is a credit to the British Council and last but not least his judgment when dealing with situations and people. His 34 years with the British Council have orchestrated a great support for the British Council in Bahrain and the UK owes a debt of gratitude and appreciation for his outstanding efforts and achievements in ensuring that the ship has sailed confidently and determinedly through rough and calm waters to achieve the level of impact and reputation it enjoys today.

"He is held in the highest regard by all staff and inspires others with his efficiency and most importantly his calm and pleasant personality." Mr Falcao will retire to Goa, India with his wife Jilla next June. (ENDS)